This ensemble was inspired by some of the outfits that I put together with my new wide cropped Rayner trouser jeans. I’m enjoying the wide cropped pants silhouette because it’s tailored, fresh, and looks architectural in substantial fabrics. The exact items in the outfits are represented in the collection below. I mixed and matched the footwear, bags and toppers. Note that I wear the twinset as a top, and don’t remove the cardigan.
I like to wear my wide crops with flats or low heels up to one and half inches. This means that I wear them at a length that’s two and a half to three inches above the ankle bone, AND with a shorter top so that the leg line is lengthened from the hips upward.
The outfits in the ensemble below are almost exact replicas of my outfits. A bold and high-contrast rendition on the left and a dark column of colour on the right. Each outfit worn with bright shoes and bags.
Here are the components of the ensemble.
Wide Cropped Pants: Choose a pair of wide cropped jeans or trousers, much like a streamlined pair of culottes. Make sure the length is no longer than two inches above the ankle bone to create an intentional look. If you like to wear flats and very low heels, sport the length even shorter, like three to four inches above the ankle bone.
Shorter Top: Style wide cropped pants much like a flared midi skirt, which means pairing it with a shorter top to create structure and lengthen the leg line from the hips upward. The top can be fitted, fluid, or drapey and oversized. Tops with welts work well because they tailor the fit on the hips. A fitted and cropped cardigan can be buttoned through to create the effect of a short, fitted top.
Wear the top untucked when you’re short-waisted. Feel free to tuck a longer top into the jeans or pants for structure with a regular or long waist.
Footwear: Choose footwear to work with the outfit. I chose tailored booties and hi-tops in a shade of white, and bright red loafers. The white bookends my hair. Sandal booties, pumps, ankle strap footwear, and pointy toe flats will work as well. Flat oxfords are a little trickier, but can look fun too.
Topper: I like the look best with a short or long topper, so I chose a moto and knee-length military coat. That in-between mid-thigh coat length tends to chop up proportions and look more “horizontal”, although it IS a trendy combination.
Accessories: Finish off the look with a bag that tickles your fancy. I chose a chain strap crossbody and satchel in brights because they make me happy. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.
